Category: Uncategorized

Interview conducted and written by Lauren Waters, Donor Services Manager.

Within minutes of meeting Terrance, I felt like I was catching up with a life-long friend. He’s open, easy to talk to, and genuinely kind — the kind of person who puts you at ease right away. His big, bright smile is impossible to miss. It reflects the positive outlook he’s chosen to hold onto through every setback, determined not to give up — especially for his daughter.

Finding Stability

Terrance was born in Chicago and came up to Green Bay as a teenager. Along the way, he experienced foster care and the challenges of finding his place in the world. Amidst hardship, he found guidance and support from his loving grandmother and kind foster parents, who taught him a strong work ethic, patience, and resilience.

Life took some difficult turns in early adulthood, and Terrance found himself without stable housing.

“I had nowhere to go. I didn’t really have family left at that point, so I was on the streets for a while.”

He worked temporary jobs when he could and sometimes slept in his car. But there was a turning point. Mentors like Clayton Abts, Director of Case Management at St. John’s Ministries, helped him find stability and keep moving forward.

“They gave me somewhere to stay when I didn’t have anywhere to live. They provided clothes when I needed them and programs to help me better my life. Clayton helped me get jobs and was always honest with me. Even when I left the shelter, I was able to come back and speak with him and keep him in tune with my journey. That helped me stay strong and keep moving toward my goals.”

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Terrance’s journey has had its hurdles. More than 20 years ago, as a young man, he made errors that resulted in a criminal record. However, he hasn’t let his past define his future.

“I’ve learned that I’ve slipped up, but I didn’t fall. Even if I failed, I kept trying. I’ve learned I’m willing to work hard for what I believe in, which is living rightly.”

When asked what he would say to someone currently experiencing homelessness, Terrance’s advice is grounded in faith, perseverance, and self-belief.

“Stay strong and keep God first. Believe and achieve. Be willing to accept help. Things won’t always be easy, but don’t give up. And always keep love in your heart.” — Terrance

Terrance is now in stable housing and actively involved in his daughter’s life. He speaks with the kind of hard-won peace that only comes from doing the work. We are honored to have walked alongside him during one of the most important chapters of his life.

Case management can sound like a complex term, but at St. John’s Ministries it’s about people. In this Q&A with Director of Case Management Services, Clayton Abts, we talk about how St. John’s Ministries supports guests from their first day in shelter through the steps toward stability, healing, and long-term goals.

If you were explaining your job to someone over coffee, how would you describe what you do?

I help people experiencing homelessness find stability and a path forward. First, we make sure their basic needs are met — that they’re safe, warm, and fed. From there, we complete an assessment and work with each person to develop a plan based on their specific needs, so they can overcome barriers and work toward their goals.

When someone walks through our doors for the first time, what’s one of the first ways your team helps them feel supported?

I remind my team to connect with every guest as though it might be the worst day of their life — because many times, it is. We meet people with empathy and without judgment. That approach helps build trust and rapport, which allows us to support them in the best way possible.

What are some of the biggest hurdles guests are facing right now?

Unaddressed addiction and mental health challenges are present for about 80% of the guests we serve. As Case Managers, our first step is to make sure guests are stabilized in shelter and have their basic needs met. Next, we focus on building a relationship rooted in trust. Once a guest feels safe, we work together to develop a plan to begin addressing barriers and moving toward their goals.

How important is building trust, and what does that look like day to day?

Trust is everything. We make it a priority to be clear about what we can and will do for guests — and then we follow through. That consistency is key to creating real progress and long-term success. All staff are trained in trauma-informed care by an in-house certified trainer.

This work can be heavy. What keeps you and your team going on the tough days?

My team! We lean on each other as case managers, coworkers, and people when things get tough. St. John’s Ministries also offers two hours of wellness time each week. Thanks to generous donors we also have funding for professional development in the form of trainings and workshops.

Case management is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people move from survival to stability. Thank you to every supporter who makes this work possible.

A Christmas message from Executive Director, Jesse Brunette

As Christmas approaches, I am reminded of how sacred this season truly is, and of a story with immense importance borne from a very humble beginning.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. — Luke 2:6-7

As many of us gather with family and friends, sharing warmth and tradition, our ministry continues to stand as a place of welcome for those who have nowhere else to go. As I reflect on this year, I am filled with deep gratitude for you, our volunteers, donors, and community advocates who make this work possible.

Hope is reflected each time a guest is greeted at our door with compassion instead of judgment, each time a warm meal is shared, each time a person is reminded of their dignity and worth. These moments, often quiet and unseen, embody the heart of Christmas more than anything wrapped in ribbon or displayed under a tree.

Your generosity and belief in our mission allows us to stand beside those who often feel overlooked and forgotten. You help create a space where peace, understanding, and human connection can flourish — not just tonight, but every night of the season.

May this Christmas bring you a renewed sense of hope, a quiet moment of peace, and the deep joy that comes from knowing your kindness is transforming lives. You are making a difference in this complicated world.

From all of us at St. John’s Ministries, Merry Christmas!

Thank you for helping us be a place of light this holiday season.

Jesse Brunette
Executive Director, St. John’s Ministries

Community members participate in poverty simulation.

On Saturday, December 6, 2025 more than 30 community members stepped into someone else’s shoes during a Poverty Simulation at the St. John’s Ministries Men’s Shelter. Supported by 25 volunteers and staff — who acted as social service providers, employers, childcare workers, and more — participants spent two hours navigating situations similar to what many of our neighbors face every day.

The intent of the Poverty Simulation is not to mimic anyone’s lived experience perfectly, but to build empathy, understanding, and a move to action — and we saw that in a powerful way. Two participants who have personally experienced situations similar to those in the simulation shared during the debrief that the event felt accurate and important.

At St. John’s Ministries, we hope this experience encourages our community to continue supporting our neighbors. We’re grateful for everyone who showed up, served, participated, and opened their hearts. This was our first time hosting the simulation in several years. St. John’s Ministries hopes to continue hosting this event several times throughout the year!

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We’re grateful to the local news for covering the event:

• WBAY – Channel 2
• WFRV – Channel 5

From remembrance to responsibility

A reflection written by Lydia Davison

Last night (December 18, 2025), our community gathered for the 16th annual Homeless Persons’ Interfaith Memorial Service, and seeing the church filled with nearly 100 people was deeply moving. It’s hard to put into words how encouraging that presence is — not only for those of us who serve, but for guests currently experiencing homelessness. It is a powerful reminder that the community cares, they show up, and they believe every life holds dignity and worth.

We are profoundly grateful to St. John the Evangelist Parish for the countless ways they continue to walk alongside St. John’s Ministries and our homeless neighbors. We are thankful for Mayor Eric Genrich, Cantor Kate Judd, The Open Heart Mindfulness Community, and the many faith leaders, volunteers, and partners who helped create a service rooted in unity and compassion.

In his closing remarks, our Executive Director Jesse Brunette reminded us that each person we honored was once a newborn baby, a toddler learning to walk, a child filled with wonder. None of us grow up dreaming of homelessness, or of having to endure a bone-deep cold just to survive. Every person deserves dignity, care, and hope.

May last night be both a moment of remembrance and a call to action. Homelessness is solvable, and together, we can create change.

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In The News

• Green Bay Press Times
• WBAY – Channel 2
• WLUK – Channel 11

A reflection from Saige, a student intern at St. John’s Ministries

This is now my third semester as an intern at St. John’s Ministries, and I can confidently say that with each term, I’ve gained deeper insight into both myself and the significance of nonprofit work. I began my internship in January of 2025 as a Community Engagement Intern, and my role has since evolved into a Donor Services Intern.

From the start, I expressed a desire to work with the women they serve, and the team has made that a priority. I’ve spent time at the front desk and serving lunches during drop-in days at Wellspring. These experiences have been especially meaningful because, unlike many internships, my work hasn’t been limited to desk tasks. I’ve had opportunities to sit in with case managers and connect directly with those experiencing homelessness.

One particularly impactful experience was leading a mindfulness workshop with a group of women at Wellspring. I introduced them to the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, and several women shared that it brought feelings of warmth and comfort. During the workshop, we worked through activities focused on strengths, confidence, and sharing their stories. It was genuinely moving to see how willing they were to open up.

It can be difficult to recognize your own strengths, but after hearing their stories it was clear how resilient each of them is. Even when some shared that they were still struggling with confidence, other guests offered encouragement, and all emphasized how much strength they draw from prayer and faith.

I’m leaving this internship a better human being and a more prepared professional. To the staff, guests, and community of St. John’s Ministries — thank you for teaching me what this work really means.

At the heart of every nonprofit are the individuals, families, and groups who step forward to help others. St. John’s Ministries services thrive because of the countless volunteers who give their time, talent, compassion, and care every day.

One of those volunteers, Alexus, has turned service into a weekly act of love and connection. We asked Alexus about her journey at St. John’s Ministries and what she’s learned along the way.

Q: How long have you been volunteering and what led you here?

I’ve been volunteering weekly since April 2025, though I’ve helped sporadically over the last five years. St. John’s has always been close to my family, so the connection feels personal. I’ve seen the impact this place has had on a loved one and knowing how grateful he is inspires me to pay it forward.

Q: In what capacity do you volunteer?

I primarily organize the donation room and put away new donations. It’s incredible to see how generous our community is. I genuinely get excited when winter coats or boots come in, because I know just how needed they are.

Q: How has volunteering made an impact?

I’ll be out driving and see one of the guys wearing an outfit I put together for them, and it instantly makes me smile. Providing someone with clean, comfortable clothes helps promote dignity, and knowing I played a small part in that feels meaningful.

Q: Has your experience changed how you view homelessness?

Absolutely. Spending time around the guests at the men’s shelter has opened my eyes. I used to be a little intimidated, but now I know these men would protect me in a heartbeat. They’re kind, respectful, and genuinely grateful for the support.

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?

Every staff member and volunteer at St. John’s is so kind, welcoming, and willing to teach you everything you need to know. Even offering to help a group serve a meal makes a huge difference.

Q: In three words, how would you describe your volunteer experience?

Hope, Community, and Kindness.

Through the dedication of volunteers like Alexus, St. John’s Ministries continues to be a place where Hope, Community, and Kindness live — and where every hour spent makes a difference in someone’s story.

For nearly two years, Dr. Arnold has been driving all the way from Sturgeon Bay to offer chiropractic care to guests and visitors at St. John’s Ministries. He does it entirely as an act of care and service.

Dr. Arnold spent 30 years running a chiropractic practice in Sturgeon Bay before retiring in December 2022. But retirement didn’t slow down his desire to serve.

“I was always one of those that would treat you even if you couldn’t pay me. I’m a Jesus follower. If they come through my door, it’s His doing and I’ll serve them. They need the care, and I don’t care if I get paid — that’s my heart.”

His connection to St. John’s Ministries began through our Program Coordinator, Tollef, a longtime friend. A tour with Tollef and Rob opened his eyes to the realities of homelessness in our city.

“It made me more aware of the issues in this city. And in Sturgeon Bay, too.”

Now, once a month, he shows up with a simple attitude: “If I can be there for one, I’ll be there for one. If I can help somebody have a better day or week… I’ll be there.” Sometimes that “one” is a guest living in chronic pain. Sometimes it’s someone who hasn’t been physically touched in a caring way in years.

“I appreciate hearing their stories. And I pray for them. Most of them don’t want to be here.”

“It’s got to be something you pay attention to. I think it’d be great if more people knew.”

Dr. Arnold reminds us that care begins with attention and heart — one person, offering what they have with compassion, can make a meaningful difference.

Paul’s story of giving back through St. John’s Ministries.

This Giving Tuesday we recognize those whose generosity provides lasting change — individuals who give not only of their resources, but from their hearts. For Paul, a donor, volunteer, and member of the St. John’s Ministries Board of Directors, philanthropy is both a calling and a commitment to his community.

“The Christian aspect of the organization and seeing Christ in all the individuals being served deeply moved me. I also view my service through a community leadership lens. St. John’s Ministries is a great example of a community organization working with the community to solve issues together, not create more.”

“St. John’s Ministries is very well run, and very mission focused. The board and leadership have assembled a great team focused on helping those in need. It is not simply a paycheck for the staff; it is a way for them to give back and make a difference every day.”

“I believe it is better to give than receive. Your time, talent, and treasures make a real impact at St. John’s Ministries. I see it every day in the services they provide.”

On this Giving Tuesday we celebrate Paul and all who share in the mission of compassion and community. Your generosity — whether through volunteering, advocacy, or financial giving — makes our work possible and transforms lives every day.

A letter from Executive Director, Jesse Brunette.

As we open the doors of our Men’s Shelter and Women’s Shelter for the first night of our season, I am reminded of the profound purpose that guides our work. Each year, the first night of shelter represents both a beginning and a continuation — a renewed commitment to serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness with compassion, dignity, and care.

In just a few hours, guests will arrive seeking warmth and safety. What they’ll find is more than a place to sleep — they’ll find a community ready to welcome them without judgment.

Thanks to the tireless dedication of our staff and volunteers, every individual who enters will be met with respect, kindness, and support. Their commitment ensures that St. John’s Ministries remains a place of stability and hope during the coldest and most difficult months of the year.

Shelter services would not be possible without the generosity of our community. It is through your continued support — whether through donations, meals, service, or advocacy — that we are equipped to respond to the historic need within our community. Together, we are creating an environment where healing can begin, and the journey toward lasting change becomes possible.

Jesse Brunette
Executive Director, St. John’s Ministries